The Baluchistan Problem

Ameer Hamza
Mar 24, 2006

The present situation is a bit different from the previous ones in Baluchistan. This has much to do with the present happenings on the local and global political and social scene. The in , unrest in ; plunging social welfare in and Europe; inflation across the globe; the problem; the hysteria against Syria and Iran; and the construction works in Baluchistan including Gawadar Port have all contributed to present situation of Baluchistan. Let us analyse them.

With Saddam Hussain gone and Shia in , the Shia power belt has extended from Iran to . This not only means un-manageable prices for and Europe, it also means that Hezbollah will be getting much stronger support for their work in Israel. And this is the last thing wants. Already, Hezbollah has forced Israel to measure itself. And now, there is new to face. Combine that with the fact the Chinese are building Gawadar port, and it is primarily who wishes to use it as one of its outlets for Middle East market which is surely expanding and advancing in terms of consumer goods. The power of in the region will multiply with the completion of this project. America does not want a safe Baluchistan for . As it could easily mean withdrawing from American led assault in Iran in the future.

To keep engaged and in constant fear America has taken to itself to continue disturbing in . This time they are using Baluch nationals for the purpose. And, in any case, does not want a new, high quality and efficient port as it would mean the demise of many of ’s older, cumbersome ports on its West coast. And Dubai would also feel threatened as Gawadar will be a free port and will be much larger than that of Dubai. Some feel that to safeguard their own economical interests in the region, and Dubai are funding the obscure groups inside Baluchistan who are blowing up gas pipelines, bridges, and even roads.

Adding to the insult, America has started supporting Baghligar dam in to further pressurize to push Chinese out of Baluchistan. In a sense, America is plying twin cards here. By funding obscure nationalist groups inside Baluchistan and on the other hand by morally supporting on this crucial dam, has been thrown into a sort of doldrums of sorts. army, on the other hand is helping Americans inside to help catch the remnants of Al-Qaeda. In this manner, much of the intelligence has already been passed to the Americans which they are now using to put up terrorist activities in ’s largest province.

And there are reports that America wants one more favour from which of course Mr. Musharraf denies. The formation of Khalq-e-Mujahid inside Baluchistan, as it is being formed in . This army (if that’s the proper word for it) will then be used against Iran when time comes.

Now there are two choices with . And both are equally dangerous. One is to side with , bring their intelligence in, root out the terrorists from Baluchistan and continue with the Chinese funded Gawadar port and other major projects in the region. This will also mean making positive contacts with Iran’s intelligence to secure ’s western border that touches Iran. The greatest threat is America itself. If it sees this happening, much of the dollars we get from West will freeze, our relations will go down even mild sanctions can take place. The Pakhtoon issue might get funding from American CIA to engage there. And there is always American puppet Mr. Karzai to pull strings from that part. Combine that with our with . All can fall back.

What if we side with ? To start with, America will pull its support for Baluch uprising and for ’s Baghligar dam. That could easily mean that Baluchistan issue will die off. But then, America will also demand that Chinese be barred from building, maintaining and using Gawadar port. Americans will also then ask to allow American forces in Karakoram region for a joint patrol on - border. And finally, it will ask army to build a pseudo army that can fight Iran in the name of , as it happened in during Zia’s time. But, much of our loans will be gone, and issue might also get fine. With no powerful dam in Gawadar, and Dubai will also pull out their support for Baluch uprising.

But, that’s no joke. Americans are famous for running away in bad times. at least has a much better record. We should remember what America did to in 1965 . It did not help; in fact, it isolated . And, when Russia lost badly and Americans won, then again they ran away. Not even the financial support was extended to for the estimated two million Afghan refugees at that time who were dying in for want of shelter, and medicine. And let us not forget America’s staunch support for Israel. That shall always remain. And America will not let any Muslim country to retain power. example is good enough. At one time, was Middle East’s most educated and prosperous nation. Then came American puppet Mr. Saddam who turned the tables for Iraqis, frightened them, got into aimless against Iran. Weakened itself and Iran, and eventually passed away into oblivion. All that is repeating. And must be careful as to not fall into this well developed trap.

army is presently engaged in troubled regions especially in Bughti region. But army should not act like the Imperial army in and . If Mr. Musharraf wants popular support in the province he will need to be careful while dealing with the locals. Their lands and their property must not be damaged. The sardars can easily be caught as we have a strong army and an equally strong intelligence agency. And most importantly, the largest share from the income of Gawadar port, and other projects should go to Baluchis and not to people belonging to other provinces. In fact, can start some universities in the region, example near the port, as when the project is completed, technical staff would be needed to fill in the space. And what better idea than having Baluchis hired in their own province. In this way, their major grievance that of un-employment and lack of money sharing would die out and so will their support for the likes of Khair Buksh Marri and Akbar Bughti.